TIG Post

Tag: President Akufo-Addo

  • Fuse ODG also cites GTA for unauthorised use of his content

    Musician Fuse ODG has also claimed ownership of some excerpts in the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA)’s promotional video that featured President Akufo-Addo.

    In a press statement released by his company, New Africa Nation, the musician’s team revealed that some scenes were picked from his video ‘New African Girl’.

    “We have sanctioned works in the past for Government use, most notably, our 2018 record, “Bra Fie” featuring Damian Marley, which was used as the theme song for the “Year of Return’; which we launched via our TINA Festival alongside the President of Ghana,” they noted.

    They added that “however, no such process was observed in relation to the recent video in question regarding our record “New African Girl”.

    “We sympathise with Kirani Ayat. As creative persons, we sacrifice a lot to be able to put together a song, let alone a whole video with high-quality production value.”

    This comes after musician Kirani Ayat called out the Tourism Ministry and the Authority for copyright infringement.

    A video shared on President Akufo-Addo’s social media handles promoting tourism used footage from his ‘Guda’ music video.

    Kirani Ayat who was not pleased to see his work used without his consent noted that he spent money in making the video without aid from anyone and yet he was not compensated after his content was used.

    “The president of Ghana has used my video “GUDA” in this ad to promote Ghana. I was actively reaching out to the Ministry of Tourism in 2018/19 to use this video to push tourism in the North and got NO reply, yet today it’s in an ad and no one reached out to me for permission,” he wrote.

    Meanwhile, Fuse ODG believes their rights were infringed upon because of the lack of respect and understanding of intellectual property.

    “As a Company, we have stayed true to our own mission-investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to promote Ghana over the years, which we will continue to do. Clearly, mistakes have been made by the Government in this situation, but hopefully, they can take corrective action to compensate accordingly.”

    The singer noted that they hope the GTA and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture invest in more education around intellectual property both internally and for the creative sector.

    “In the meantime, our legal team is in discussion with the Ministry and their legal team in order to resolve this issue,” he added.

  • Ghana is benefiting from Russia-Ukraine war – John Jinapor

    The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, John Jinapor, has refuted claims by the government that the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic are the cause of the challenges in Ghana.

    According to him, data from the Ministry of Finance shows that these two events have been a blessing to the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.

    John Jinapor, who made these remarks in an XYY interview monitored by GhanaWeb, explained that because of the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic, the government had exceeded most of its revenue projections.

    “If you look at the summary of the financial data of the country from January to June this year, which was published by the Ministry of Finance, you will notice that the government has benefited from these two things, particularly because of the rise in the prices of petroleum prices.

    “The Summary of Central Government Operation, which was published by the ministry, shows that the country at the end of the 2nd quarter collected 127 percent of its projected tax revenue from oil products. When it comes to royalties from oil production, we have gotten 133 percent of projected revenue. For the financial sector levy, we have gotten 133 percent of projected revenue.

    “For the COVID-19 levy, we have gotten 170 percent of what we budgeted for. We have gotten 150 percent of the oil revenue we budgeted for. So, one can observe that Ghana is rather benefiting from the Russia-Ukraine war in terms of revenue when it comes to the government side,” he said in Twi.

    Jinapor, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Yapei-Kusawgu, further stated that Ghanaians are going through a lot of hardship because the government has refused to use the windfall in revenues to bring some reprieve to the citizenry.

    Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, during his speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, said that the Russia-Ukraine War was having a devastating impact on Ghana and other African countries.

    “As we grappled with these economic challenges, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine burst upon us, aggravating an already difficult situation. It is not just the dismay that we feel at seeing such deliberate devastation of cities and towns in Europe in the year 2022; we are feeling this war directly in our lives in Africa.

    “Every bullet, every bomb, every shell that hits a target in Ukraine, hits our pockets and our economies in Africa. The economic turmoil is global with inflation as the number one enemy this year,” the president said.

  • Agric Minister has run out of ideas; sack him – Kofi Akpaloo to Akufo-Addo

    The founder and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Percival Kofi Akpaloo, has doubted the ability of Agriculture Minister Owusu Afriyie Akoto to manage the government’s flagship Planting for Food and Jobs programme.

    He argued the sector minister has run out of ideas to add any progress to the development of the agricultural sector.

    “There was a major problem with the prices of the raw materials, especially maize and soybean. Maize, for instance, went up by 100%, and then wheat and soybean all went up,” he said.

    “Why must we import frozen chicken and maize while we can grow some in Ghana? President Akufo-Addo has to relieve him of his post, “Kofi Akpaloo exclusively told Accra-based Angel FM.

    He further revealed that the Minister for Agriculture had disobeyed the president’s directives to save the local poultry industry.

    President Akufo-Addo has often touted the progress of the planting for food and jobs programme, alluding to the feat it has achieved.

    This, he said, is a complete misapplication of the subsidies.

    He believes it would only be proper if the sector minister is relieved of his position.

  • As a young politician, I stayed in my lane – KT Hammond

    Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa in the Ashanti Region, Kobina Tahir Hammond, has revealed that as an up-and-coming politician, he used to stay in his lane.

    His comment followed a harsh critique he delivered on the youth following an incident where President Akufo-Addo was booed.

    A section of the crowd at the Global Citizen Festival at the Black Star Square on September 24, clapped and chanted ‘away, away’ when Akufo-Addo mounted the stage to deliver an address.

    KT Hammond is among public officials who chastised the youth for engaging in insulting attitude. He described them as empty heads and people who cannot govern even if given the opportunity.

    Challenged that he also started off as a young politician, he retorted: “When I started off as a young man, was that how I was doing it? When I was a young man like you, I stayed in my lane. I stuck to my lane.

    Asked whether the president had to attend the event at all, he replied: “I don’t know about that, about the movement of the president, about whether he was advised to go or not. It is not the issue. What we are talking about in the end we saw the President there.

    “Whatever was going on there, I did not know, I hadn’t heard of it before, we are hot, we don’t know about everything going on. The President owns the nation and so he goes there. But that does mean you should hurl abuse?”

    The booing incident: Exactly what happened?

    Thousands of patrons were at the Black Star Square to witness the concert that had a number of local and international artistes performing.

    As host of the event, the president was called upon to give his remarks, which happened to be a prepared speech that lasted over six minutes.

    The booing happened when he started his speech saying: “The whole world is in Ghana today.”

    What started initially as people showing their disapproval of his presence on the stage, turned into loud clapping and chanting of the words: “away, away…,” the president, however, stayed the course and delivered his full speech.

    As if that was not enough, people on social media latched on to the development to mock the president.

    Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty NOW.

    The voices of millions of Global Citizens around the world are driving lasting change towards sustainability, equality, and humanity by taking action every day.

    The Global Citizen Festival started as a music festival where fans take actions to end extreme poverty in order to earn free tickets to attend.

  • Keep the faith; NPP has a track record of success – Nana Kofi Ntiamoah

    Communication Team Member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Kofi Ntiamoah, has urged Ghanaians to have confidence in the Akufo-Addo administration to navigate the nation positively through the present economic storms because, fundamentally, the NPP has a track record of doing so.

    Nana Kofi Ntiamoah reminded Ghanaians that although times may be hard now, the Akufo-Addo administration inherited an even more dire situation and successfully moved the country onto a path of growth until the whole world was blindsided by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and locally, the banking sector clean-up.

    He assured that despite the present difficulties, the government is working assiduously to restore the country on the path of growth and accelerated development shifted off course by the three almost concurrent challenges.

    “Not long ago, we had felt similar despair. The fear of losing our lives to a pandemic and the near halt to our economy as we battled to survive each day. Some years ago also we had been confronted by very dire economic circumstances.

    The joblessness of our youth, years of lights out that impacted adversely on businesses and jobs, the disappointment of dealing with a collapsed national health insurance system and inability to access health care, the bane of the cash and carry system, a nearly collapsed national ambulance system, freeze on public sector employment, an almost collapsed banking sector and so on,” Nana Kofi Ntiamoah told Accra-based Wontumi TV.

    “The government of President Akufo-Addo put in much effort to turn things around and elevate the standards of living of the Ghanaian people above what the situation used to be at the time this government was formed in 2017. Taking over from then meant we had to do our best also to make things work and better.

    “Together as a country, we proceeded to fix the economy. We made great gains and the records attest to this. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic which has impacted all economies in the world, we stabilized the economy and achieved great strides,” he added.

    “In the midst of the current economic challenges we face, we are putting in place the key pillars for the economic transformation of Ghana. We may not yet be where we want to be, and we may be buffeted by the winds of the pandemic and the war for yet a little while, but we have made a great start and, together, we shall finish what we started.”

  • How BBC reported Akufo-Addo graphic ‘theft’

    President Akufo-Addo has been accused of an alleged theft of some graphical excerpts after he [Akufo-Addo] shared a video to promote his tourism agenda.

    This followed a post the president shared via his Twitter handle.

    Budding Ghanaian musician, Kirani Ayat, accused the president of using graphical excerpts in his music video without his consent.

    According to Ayat, this was after the Ministry failed to heed his [Kirani Ayat] plea to use the song ‘GUDA’ to endorse tourism in the North.

    “The president of Ghana has used my video ‘GUDA’ in this ad to promote Ghana. I was actively reaching out to the Ministry of Tourism in 2018/19 to use this video to push tourism in the North and got NO reply, yet today it’s in an ad and no one reached out to me for permission,” he shared.

    After the disclosure by the artiste, some concerned citizens have taken up the issue to address it with the hopes that the president will give the artiste the needed decorum for using his property.

    In reaction to this, the Ghana Tourism Authority has responded to the claims by Kirani Ayat.

    In a statement, the Ghana Tourism Authority said the footage was acquired legitimately through an agency and has been using it since 2019.

    “For the record, the footage in question was acquired legitimately from a bespoke creative agency as part of a project in 2019.

    “This video has thus been played severally locally and internationally without any issue. The content was used in accordance with the terms agreed with the agency and not as being alleged,” the statement said.

    However, the international media was not left out in this development.

    See how BBC reported the story:

    The BBC’s report was captioned “Ghana president accused of breaching copyright ”.

    Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has been accused of using a musician’s work without permission or credit to advertise the country to tourists. Ghanaian musician Kirani Ayat said he reached out to the government for support before shooting his Guda music video but he was turned down. The video was shot in northern Ghana and features scenic views and showcases the local culture. On Tuesday Ayat lashed out at the president after he shared a promo video:

    Kirani said he worked a 12-hour shift as a security guard for seven days over a three-month period to save money for the video production costs.

    “I reached out a couple of times to no avail. I was depressed throughout that period,” the musician wrote. The government is yet to respond to the copyright allegations.

    Ghanaians on social media have encouraged the musician to sue the government for copyright infringement. Ghana has previously marketed the country for tourism with the famous year of return initiative launched in 2019 termed a great success by the government.

    Several international celebrities visited the country that year.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • Four envoys present credentials to President Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday received the Letters of Credence of four new envoys at the Jubilee House, Accra.

    The envoys are the High Commissioner of Australia, Mrs. Bernice Owen-Jones, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Bijan Gerami Nazoksara, the Swiss Ambassador, Simone Giger, and the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madam Jeanette Njuma Nyakeru.

    At separate ceremonies, President Akufo-Addo congratulated the envoys on their appointments, welcomed them warmly to Ghana and wished them a successful tour of duty.

    He recounted the longstanding ties Ghana had had with each of those countries and reiterated Ghana’s commitment to enhancing the bonds of friendship and cooperation with them for mutually beneficial outcomes.

    The President dwelled on the need for strategic partnerships and economic cooperation to advance bilateral relations with their respective countries and Ghana.

    He also called for cooperation to end the insecurity in West Africa, and to fight climate change, and said his government would ensure that their respective official duties were carried out smoothly.

    When she met the President, the Australian envoy, Mrs Owen-Jones spoke about her country’s engagement in the extractive industry in Ghana, which had been a pillar of bilateral relations for decades.

    Australian mining companies, she said, had investments worth some $40 billion in the region, adding, “I am very proud of Australia’s engagements in the extractive sector in Ghana and the mutual benefits both countries are deriving from it.”

    Mrs Owen-Jones also mentioned the educational collaboration between the two countries where Ghanaian professionals studied in Australia through an award scheme, as well as the commission’s work in communities in Ghana.

    She said the commission had supported some 250 projects over the last two decades to deliver tangible development benefits in those communities.

    “There is more we could do and of course work towards enhancing business links and closer links between universities of both countries as well as civil societies…The Australian government is ready to work with your government in building strong relationships.”

    Mrs Owen-Jones told the President that both countries could do more to address pressing security challenges in the sub-region.

    She disclosed that the Australian government was currently funding training programmes in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire in the international counter-terrorism academy to deliver training and greater capability in the region

    On his part, President Akufo-Addo recounted Ghana’s long-standing relationship with Australia dating back to independence era.

    “We value so much our association with the commonwealth the commitment to democratic values, the respect for the rule of law and these are the things that bind our two countries closely.”

    The President also lauded the key roles that Australian companies are playing in the extractive sector, saying, “We find the partnership useful.”

    He was hopeful that the two countries would find more areas of cooperation to deepen relations.

    Iran’s ambassador, Bijan Gerami Nazoksara lauded Ghana’s role in the comity of nations and commended the Government on its flagship programmes such as One District, One Factory, Ghana Beyond Aid, Planting for Food and Jobs amongst others.

    He said looked forward to deepening cooperation in the areas of health, education and technology during his tour of duty in Ghana.

    President Akufo-Addo said Ghana and Iran had had strong relations for some time, with the two countries cooperating very well on many levels and pledged to deepen relations with the Western Asian nation.

    “We appreciate very much your cooperation in the area of education as well as in our health sector; these are valuable initiatives for the Ghanaian people. we recognise Iran’s contribution to our development.”

    The Swiss ambassador Simone Giger said the President’s recent state visits to Switzerland was a testimony of the excellent relations that exists between the two countries.

    She noted that the President’s “excellent leadership” had further enhanced the relations between both countries.

    The envoy pledged to strengthen the development cooperation with Ghana, particularly in the fields of education, science, digitization and climate change.

    She referred to a landmark agreement signed in 2020 between the two countries on climate protection, saying, “I am keen and eager to work together with your administration on the realisation of this agreement.”

    President Akufo-Addo told the envoy that Ghana anticipated more Swiss involvement in economic cooperation in the country.

    “We look forward to increasing the scope of activities in the area of security, education, where Switzerland has proved to be a valuable partner to Ghana.

    In her discussion with the President, Madam Nyakeru, Congo’s Ambassador said she would reinforce bilateral cooperation between Ghana and her country.

    Source: GNA 

  • Show respect to Togbe Afede, chiefs – Adom-Otchere attacks Manasseh over tweet

    Paul Adom-Otchere, host of Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV, has taken investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni to the cleaners over a recent tweet on the September 24 booing incident that President Akufo-Addo suffered.

    Addressing the incident in the editorial segment of his show on Tuesday, September 27, Adom-Otchere advanced that Manasseh’s reference to chiefs as part of people who can for selfish reasons sing the praises of the president was unacceptable.

    “Mr President, for their selfish goals, chiefs, paid praise singers and sycophants will continue to sing insincere praises of you. But what you heard at the #globalcitizensfestival is the truest voice of the people, a referendum on your regime. You have two years to salvage it,” the tweet of September 24 read.

    He went on to cite the case of Togbe Afede, whose picture with Manasseh he projected on the screen, stressing that Togbe will not praise sing for Akufo-Addo because of his stature and for other reasons.

    He suggested that Manasseh respected Togbe Afede as a chief, so why would he create the impression that all chiefs are praise singers of the government. “Respect Togbe Afede, I know you respect him.”

    He continued that for someone from a traditional area, Bongo, “there is a chief over there, I don’t know him but I believe you respect him,” he added.

    Adom-Otchere requested a photo of Manasseh be projected on his touchscreen following which he admonished the journalist to repent from his ways and desist from denigrating chiefs.

    Thousands of patrons were at the Black Star Square to witness the concert that had a number of local and international artistes performing.

    As host of the event, the president was called upon to give his remarks, which happened to be a prepared speech that lasted over six minutes.

    The booing happened when he started his speech saying: “The whole world is in Ghana today.”

    What started initially as people showing their disapproval of his presence on the stage, turned into loud clapping and chanting of the words: “away, away…,” the president, however, stayed the course and delivered his full speech.

    As if that was not enough, people on social media latched on to the development to mock the president.

    Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty NOW.

    The voices of millions of Global Citizens around the world are driving lasting change towards sustainability, equality, and humanity by taking action every day.

    The Global Citizen Festival started as a music festival where fans take actions to end extreme poverty in order to earn free tickets to attend.

  • Booing of Akufo-Addo a vote of no confidence – NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described the booing of President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Global Citizen festival as a reflection of the mood of Ghanaian youth.

    A statement, signed by Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the party, said the “action of the youth reflects an overwhelming vote of no confidence” in the government.

    “The events of that day were unprecedented, as no sitting Ghanaian President, at least under the Fourth Republic, has ever been subjected to such ridicule and embarrassment.”

    The NDC also criticised attempts to blame it for the booing of the President amid the indicators like the soaring inflation that underscore the cost of living crisis.

    It said, “the mess” overseen by the Akufo-Addo administration will not be solved by blaming of political opponents.

    The opposition party said this was “not only insulting to the sensibilities of Ghanaians but also underscores the fact that this government and their hired apologists are simply oblivious of our present reality, or perhaps they are underestimating the anger of the Ghanaian people.”

    “The frustrations expressed by the youth on that fateful day perfectly reflect the excruciating and frustrating times Ghanaians presently find themselves,” the party added.

    The NDC also argued that the disaffection from the youth highlighted the need for an agenda to create sustainable and meaningful jobs.

    Source: Citinewsroom.com

  • Let’s pray for Akufo-Addo, Ghana needs divine intervention – Anyidoho

    A former aide to late President John Evans Atta Mills, Koku Anyidoho, has called for prayers for President Akufo-Addo.

    He believes the president and the nation as a whole needs divine intervention and it was thus important for Ghanaians to go on their knees and genuinely pray for the President and the nation.

    In a tweet posted on Sunday, September 25, Anyidoho stressed that it was refreshing that the president himself was a prayerful person.

    “I am more than convinced that we must go on our knees and genuinely pray for the President and Mother Ghana because we definitely need the divine intervention of God for Him to bless our Homeland Ghana.

    “Thank God the President himself is on his knees praying,” he captioned the tweet which was accompanied by two photos. One of the president in kneeling position being prayed for by the clergy and another of himself in the same position.

    Anyidoho, the Chief Executive Officer of the Atta-Mills Institute, AMI, is known to be a supporter of the president and the current government despite insisting that he remains a full member of the opposition National Democratic Congress, NDC.

    The last time both men met publicly was at the reopening of the refurbished Asomdwee Park – the burial place of late President Atta Mills.

    The AMI had gotten government support for the renovation of the facility and the recommissioning was done on the 10th anniversary of Atta-Mills’ passing.

    I am more than convinced that we must go on our knees and genuinely pray for the President and Mother Ghana because we definitely need the divine intervention of God for Him to bless our Homeland Ghana ???????? Thank God the President himself is on his knees praying ???????????? pic.twitter.com/sAv1kg2VqN

    — Samuel Koku Anyidoho???????? (@KokuAnyidoho) September 25, 2022

  • Ghana beat Nigeria to Global Citizen Festival because of Akufo-Addo – Okraku Mantey

    Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mark Okraku Mantey, has explained that the Global Citizen Festival that took place on September 24, 2022, had originally been scheduled to take place in Nigeria.

    Ghana was picked by the organizers partly because President Akufo-Addo had showed interest in having it take place in Ghana.

    He stressed in an interview on Hitz FM, September 26, that the concert was part of efforts aimed at marketing Ghana’s tourism, “and so, president Akufo-Addo showed interest, originally Global Citizen, they wanted to go to Nigeria, for some good reasons, we were the ones who won,” he said.

    The event has hogged the news headlines because of an incident where the president was booed by a section of the crowd as he arrived on stage to deliver his welcome address.

     The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has suggested that the opposition National Democratic Congress, NDC, were behind the incident, something the NDC has roundly rejected stating that it was a sign of Akufo-Addo’s growing loss of popularity.

    Exactly what happened?

    Thousands of patrons were at the Black Star Square to witness the concert that had a number of local and international artistes performing.

    As host of the event, the president was called upon to give his remarks, which happened to be a prepared speech that lasted over six minutes.

    The booing happened when he started his speech saying: “The whole world is in Ghana today.”

    What started initially as people showing their disapproval of his presence on the stage, turned into loud clapping and chanting of the words: “away, away…,” the president, however, stayed the course and delivered his full speech.

    As if that was not enough, people on social media latched on to the development to mock the president.

    Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement of action takers and impact makers dedicated to ending extreme poverty NOW.

    The voices of millions of Global Citizens around the world are driving lasting change towards sustainability, equality, and humanity by taking action every day.

    The Global Citizen Festival started as a music festival where fans take actions to end extreme poverty in order to earn free tickets to attend.

  • A lot of them lack home training – NPP Communicator scolds persons who booed Akufo-Addo

    Patrons of the Global Citizens Festival who heckled President Akufo-Addo have been reprimanded by the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) deputy director of communications, Jennifer Queen.

    She asserted that those individuals were hired by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to stir up trouble.

    “The event was to sell the country to the entire globe. So if you end up cutting parts of some videos or instigate people to hoot at the president who is our leader it speaks very bad of you. Some people want to claim that they are the doyen of wisdom and are acting smart.

    “This is becoming a norm nowadays. If a minister, vice president or government official goes to a programme you find people who go out to hoot at them. But what that tells is that a lot of these people lack home training. A lot of these people lack proper upbringing,” she said on the Monday, September 26, 2022, edition of Okay FM’s Ade Akye Abia programme.

    The New Patriotic Party’s deputy director of communications added that the NDC had incited the crowd with the support of a few stubborn people in an effort to earn easy political points.

    “Despite all the benefits the state is gaining from the event, the NDC and their evil mindsets wanted it to fail. The intel gathered by our National Communication Directorate shows that they sat down to orchestrate this to outshine the beauty of the programme. I am talking about the NDC because they were the first group of people who started sharing the video,” she stated.

    Jennifer Queen, however, condemned the actions of the crowd while emphasising the success of the event, which she notes adds to the president’s commitment to pushing Ghana’s entertainment, arts and culture.

    “I will tell you that it is condemnable, it was unwarranted, it was bad behaviour from some elements who were being paid to go and do that, but in the end, the programme went on successfully,” she said.

    The booing of President Akufo-Addo has attracted several social media reactions, with some critics saying it was a reflection of frustrated Ghanaians expressing their disaffection with the president and his government.

     

     

  • Don’t overlook Africa’s huge development prospects – Akufo-Addo to global investors

    Given the enormous development opportunities on the continent, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the international investor community to forge a significant presence there.

    He said, “Africa needs you, and you need Africa.

    He claimed that the continent was actively developing the 1.3 billion-person market, which will enable trade and financial systems.

    President Akufo-Addo said this when he addressed the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America.

    “Already, goods and services are flowing more freely across our artificial borders,” he said, with a renewed commitment towards inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and economic integration.

    President Akufo-Addo said it had become clear today more than ever before, the importance of the strength and unity of Africa, with the leaders working assiduously to shed that image of a helpless and hapless continent.

    In line with the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa’s ambition was to transform its food systems over the next decade.

    “What we require now is support from the investor community for the rolling out of this lucrative agro-industry,” he added.

    The President urged African leaders to see the crisis that confronted the continent as an opportunity to achieve a breakthrough in the development agenda of the people.

    “Incidentally, 2022 is billed as Africa’s year to take action on food and nutrition development goals.”

    “We see the current geo-political crisis as an opportunity to rely less on food imports from outside the continent, and use better, our 60 per cent of the global share of arable lands to increase food production.”

    President Akufo-Addo noted that the continent had come to realise the devastating impact of relying on Russia and Ukraine for 70 per cent of its wheat consumption.

    The recent crisis between the two countries, he said, had come with its attendant negative consequences on Africa, hence the need for the continent to champion its own cause to enhance food security and sufficiency.

    “We have enough land, enough water, enough gas and enough manpower to produce enough fertilizer, food and energy for ourselves and for others,” he said.

    On economic empowerment, the President said the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, with its office in Accra, was driving intra-African trade and creating unparalleled momentum for economic diversity and transformation.

    He cited how Ghana, for instance, had taken measures to process more of its cocoa, refine more of its gold, and was determined to exploit the entire value chain of the country’s huge lithium deposit.

    “Ghana is also building an integrated bauxite and aluminium industry, as well as an integrated iron and steel industry, building new oil refineries, and had, so far, attracted six of the world’s biggest automobile manufacturers to assemble and set up manufacturing plants in Ghana prior to producing them in the country,” the President said.

    Several African countries had inflation rates surging three to four times higher than what they were two years ago, he said, and Ghana was experiencing the highest inflation for 21 years.

    The 77th session of the UN General Assembly opened on Tuesday, September 13, with the high-level debate running from September 20-26.

    This year’s theme: “A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Unlocking Challenges,” acknowledges the shared roots of crises such as COVID-19, climate change and conflict, as well as the need for solutions that build global sustainability and resilience.

  • US$70 million Tamale Airport Phase two project completed – Regional Minister

    The construction of the Phase two of the Tamale Airport Development Project has been completed at a cost of US$70 million and awaiting commissioning by the end of this year.

    The 5,000-square metre airport, with an annual passenger throughput of 400,000 capacity, is expected to boost the local economy, tourism and investment drive to the Northern Region.

    The expansion works included the construction of a modern terminal, VIP Lounge, two boarding gates, four self-service check-in kiosks and eight check-in desks.

    Other ancillary facilities were airline offices, commercial retail area, a multi-purpose terminal for Hajj travel facilitation, 350-capacity car park and a five-kilometre road network.

    Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, the Northern Regional Minister, announced this in Accra on Sunday when he took his turn at the Minister’s press briefing.

    The Minister updated the public on major physical infrastructure and social services undertaken by the Government over the past five years, especially on health, transport, agriculture, One- District, One-Factory and projects being implemented under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) by the Northern Development Authority.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on August 15, 2019 cut the sod for the construction of phase two of the Tamale Airport Development Project and scheduled to be completed within 26 months.

    “It is on record that the Tamale Airport can boast of the best Tarmac in the country. It could be a major hub for air cargo for exporting agricultural produce in the West African Sub-region,” Alhaji Saibu emphasised.

    The interchange would boost the local economy, create employment and add to the beauty of the city, the Minister stated.

    Six flagship programmes under the “One-district, One-factory” were in operation in the Region, employing more than 1,000 permanent and 3,000 casual workers respectively, he said.

    Alhaji Saibu stated that a total of 353.79 kilometres of road projects were ongoing in the Region, with 60 per cent of them at various stages of completion.

    Also, the Ghana Highway Authority had undertaken various road maintenance works such as regravelling, rehabilitation, resealing and sectoral rehabilitation works on roads across the Region including Salaga-Bimbilla road, Tamale-Daboya road and Kpatinga-Gaa road as well as rehabilitation of the Barwah Barracks, the Minister said.

    Under the $2-billion-dollar Ghana-Sinohydro Master Project Support Management, the Minister said the first-ever Interchange in the northern sector of the country was constructed-Tamale Interchange- which was opened to traffic on March 29, 2022 by President Akufo-Addo, thereby opening up the local economy and creating many employment avenues for the teeming youth.

    On health, he said, a total of 118 projects were ongoing including CHPS compounds, health centres, clinics, maternity wards, accommodation for health workers and administration blocks, with 82 of them completed, representing 72 per cent.

    The Minister said although there had been tremendous progress in infrastructure facilities in the Region a lot more needed to be done to enhance the living standards of the people and eradicate poverty from the Region.

    Source: GNA

  • ‘Africa is ready for business’ – President Akufo-Addo to investor community

    “As a result, our message to the world’s investors is that Africa is open for business.
    You need Africa, and Africa needs you.
    Africa is actively creating the largest single market in the world with 1.3 billion people, so you need it.
    A customs union and a continental payment system that will speed up and streamline trade between us will be established soon.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said these things during his speech to the 77th session of the United Nations, which is taking place in New York, United States of America.

    In his address, the President stated that Africa sees “the current geopolitical crisis as an opportunity to rely less on food imports from outside the continent and use better our sixty percent global share of arable lands to increase food production.”

    According to him, “we have seen the devastating impact of relying on Russia and Ukraine for seventy percent of our wheat consumption. We have enough land, enough water, enough gas and enough manpower to produce enough fertiliser, food and energy for ourselves and for others.”

    In spite of this, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that “we cannot do it all by ourselves”, and asked the global investor community to see Africa for what it is – “the new frontier for manufacturing, for technology, for food production.”

    In the case of Ghana, the President told the gathering that his government has launched the successful policy of ‘One District One Factory’ – a policy, with government incentives, that has directly seen, so far, to some one hundred and twenty-five (125) enterprises being set up in various districts across the country, leveraging on each area’s competitive advantage.

    “That is why, six years ago, my government embarked on an aggressive policy of planting for food and jobs, which has helped our farmers increase their yields in folds. Indeed, we are recognising that many of the things we import can be found or produced in Ghana, or in other African countries,” he added.

    With the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area located in Ghana, the President stressed that the free trade area is driving intra-Africa trade and creating an unparalleled momentum for Africa’s economic diversity and transformation.”

    True to our knowledge that industrialisation is the way to go and, with the single market as the added incentive, President Akufo-Addo indicated that Ghana has taken policy measures to add value to her natural resources.

    “For example, we are processing more of our cocoa, refining more of our gold, and we are determined to exploit the entire value chain of our huge lithium deposits. We are busily building an integrated bauxite and aluminium industry and an integrated iron and steel industry, building new oil refineries and have, so far, attracted six (6) of the world’s biggest automobile manufacturers to set up assembling plants in Ghana, prior to producing them in the country,” he added.

    In line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the President indicated that Africa’s ambition is to transform her food systems over the next decade, anchored in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth.

    “What we require now is support from the investor community for the rolling out of Africa’s lucrative agro-industry, and for the community to see agribusiness in Africa as much more an opportunity than the perceived, exaggerated risk which has been the false, but dominant narrative,” he added.

    In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo tasked the United Nations “to take proper stock of this initiative and ask a few searching questions, recognising what could have been achieved with greater commitment and focus.”

  • NDC orchestrated the heckling of Akufo-Addo at Global Citizen Festival – NPP

    The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating the heckling of President Akufo-Addo at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival.

    President Akufo-Addo who delivered that keynote address the event was met with loud boos and hoots from spectators.

    As the crowd chanted “Away!” the President delivered his speech without a hitch.

    However, the NPP is unpleased with the incident and has taken on the NDC for it.

    Issuing a statement, Deputy Director of Communications, Ernest Owusu Bempah Bonsu said the NDC intentionally sponsored the heckling for political scores.

    Considering the country’s economic crisis, Mr Owusu Bempah said President expected a cold reception, however, it was disgraceful for the NDC to organise its supporters to go and shout down the President in the manner it happened.

    “Truly, politicians don’t expect to be popular all the time. Getting on with running the country is a job where you have to take difficult decisions a lot of the time. There’s nothing wrong if President Akufo-Addo goes to an event and receives cold reception. That’s a normal occurrence.

    “But then, to allow politics to take centre stage at such an event and single out the President unfairly for political point scoring raises serious concerns. To put it more bluntly, it is pure evil and utter disgrace for the NDC to organize its supporters to go and shout down the President the manner it happened,” he said.

    Read his full statement below.

    NDC’s evil machinations and chorus of jeers at Akufo-Addo

    There was much consternation and even more navel-gazing Saturday night about patrons serenading Akufo-Addo with boos and chants of “away” “away” during the Global Citizen concert at the Independence Square.

    Some saw it as a rightful comeuppance for the President, while others saw it as a disheartening confirmation of the polarization of our society.

    But then, there’s a twist to this disgusting enterprise. As President Akufo-Addo begins to give his speech at the Global Citizen concert at Independence Square last night, the crowd’s mood appeared normal. Moments later, the boos emerged and as that kindling took light, chants of “away, away” echoed throughout the place.

    Quite frankly, in normal sporting or entertainment events, fans boo. It might not be printed on the ticket, but fans believe the price of admission includes a right to express themselves about pretty much anything that goes on at the ballpark, stadium or arena. They whistle, jeer and taunt, and no one – players, coaches, other fans, even mascots are immune.

    To think President Akufo-Addo would be spared that kind of reception, or be outraged that he wasn’t, is either naïve or sanctimonious.

    Truly, politicians don’t expect to be popular all the time. Getting on with running the country is a job where you have to take difficult decisions a lot of the time. There’s nothing wrong if President Akufo-Addo goes to an event and receives cold reception. That’s a normal occurrence.

    But then, to allow politics to take centre stage at such an event and single out the President unfairly for political point scoring raises serious concerns.

    To put it more bluntly, it is pure evil and utter disgrace for the NDC to organize its supporters to go and shout down the President in the manner it happened.

    As a matter of fact, the mean-spirited treatment of President Akufo-Addo, and the fact that the president’s appearance prompted loud and sustained boos and jeers from partisan NDC crowd at the global citizen event crossed some bright lines.

    The question of political civility is a common debate topic in our political economy, to the extent that responses almost feel predetermined. But this relatively predictable moment still felt worrying and, given the venue, particularly a global event of this magnitude, we ought to speak out.

    Never before in the history of this country has a president, who by the way, has done more than any other president in recent times, and for all demographics been treated so unfair and disrespected.

    It’s very difficult to imagine that the political opposition to Akufo-Addo does not recognise the fact that this choreographed hogwash they put up last night has the potency to bite them in the arise. When political opposition determines that they have a big stomach or taste for the fight, they are encouraging, then we have a huge trouble on our hands.

    The Ghanaian partisan politics that became the national status quo since the dawn of the fourth republic needs fine-tuning because the political rhetoric and behaviour considered acceptable are on a sliding scale. It is time to separate social issues/politics from entertainment and sport.

    Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah Bonsu
    Deputy Director of Communications, NPP

    Source: Myjoyonline

     

     

  • LEKMA earmarks over 700 properties for demolition

    Some property owners in the Ledzokuku Municipality would have to find alternative accommodation as the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly (LEKMA), prepares to pull down their buildings.

    The properties, numbering over 700 have been earmarked for demolition with notices served to the owners.

    Mr Mordecai Quarshie, the Municipal Chief Executive of LEKMA who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency said the houses, most of which have been built in water ways do not have permits.

    He said following recent floods in the municipality, and a directive from the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo to demolish structures built in water ways, the Assembly had been left with no choice than to carry out the exercise.

    He disclosed that 320 of the houses were situated along the basins of the Sango Lagoon, with the remaining ones around the Kor River and other places within the municipality.

    Mr Quarshie who indicated that the exercise had become necessary to avert future floods as well as the loss of lives said, as much as possible, the Assembly would put a human touch to the exercise.

    “We are not happy undertaking such exercises but it has become necessary evil that we cannot shelve,” he said.

    The MCE said the Assembly would not back down in its mandate to ensure that physical developments in the municipality are done within the confines of the law.

    He further appealed to prospective property owners to run a check with the Assembly when buying land and also acquire a building permit before proceeding with any form of development.

    He also mentioned that the Assembly would conduct an investigation into claims of negligence by its staff whose responsibilities were to ensure that the buildings earmarked for demolition should not have come up in the first place.

    “We will investigate their conduct and recommend punitive actions against any official found culpable,” he said.

    The Assembly in carrying out the directives of the president as well as its mandate had in the last couple of weeks pulled down hundreds of properties and illegal structures within the municipality.

    Mr Quarshie said, the owners of these properties would be surcharged for the exercise.

    Source: GNA

  • ‘Akufo-Addo is the source of Ghana’s economic woes but plays the blame game’ – Prof. Hanke

    Steve Hanke, a professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University, has once more chastised President Akufo-Addo for shunning responsibility for how the Ghanaian economy has been managed.

    The government has frequently said that the COVID-19 epidemic, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the banking sector clean-up are the main causes of the current economic headwinds.

    But Professor Hanke believes President Akufo-Addo has often played the blame game without taking full responsibility over the challenges in the economy which is now seeking an International Monetary Fund (IMF), support programme.

    In a tweet sighted by GhanaWeb, Prof. Hanke in his regular commentary referenced Akufo-Addo’s remarks at the United General Assembly where he indicated that the Russia-Ukraine war has aggravated an already difficult situation for Ghana.

    “Every bullet, every bomb, every shell that hits a target in Ukraine, hits our pockets and our economies in Africa,” Akufo-Addo earlier said.

    In his reaction, Professor Hanke on September 25 wrote, “When it comes to the source of #Ghana’s economic problems, Pres. Akufo-Addo plays the BLAME GAME. You know, it wasn’t me, it was the guy behind the tree. Today, I measure GHA’s inflation at 83%/year. That’s more than DOUBLE the phony official rate.”

    Professor Hanke who has taken a keen interest in the economic issues of Ghana in a separate tweet said Ghana’s economy was tanking – an expression which means the economy is down and there are fears of a recession.

    He has in on numerous occasions blamed the Akufo-Addo-led administration for putting the economy in a dire situation.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Statistical Service recently announced that consumer inflation for August 2022 hit 33.9 percent from 31.7% in July, making it the highest rate recorded in 21 years.

  • President Akufo-Addo joins Investor Roundtable at UN General Assembly

    President Akufo-Addo has called on the mining investor community to take advantage of Ghana’s adherence to principles of democratic accountability, rule of law, respect for the sanctity of contracts, stable regulatory environment, and favourable fiscal regime, to invest in the mining industry in Ghana.

    He reassured the investor community that Ghana was not only the best place to do business in Africa but also one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies.
    The President said this during an investor Roundtable organised by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti and JP Morgan on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, in New York.

    In addition to the traditional minerals, he asserted that Ghana has numerous untapped deposits of green minerals like lithium.

    He said despite the government’s efforts to develop the full value chain for the country’s mineral resources and add value, there were still tremendous investment opportunities, particularly in the mining sector.

    The President, who was the keynote speaker at the event, used the occasion to articulate his vision to construct a progressive and prosperous Ghana, and the fundamental role of the private sector in Ghana’s economic recovery programme, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor, indicated that the Government of Ghana was putting in measures to make Ghana a mining hub of Africa.

    The Roundtable, which included major international mining companies as well as bond and equity investors, gave the Government of Ghana a chance to directly interact with the investor community about investment opportunities in Ghana’s mining sector.

     

  • No data shows hardship in Ghana is due to Russia-Ukraine war – Simon jabs Akufo-Addo

    Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has refuted the claim by President Akufo-Addo that the Russia-Ukraine war is the main cause of the difficulties in Ghana and other African countries.

    President Akufo-Addo, during his speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, said that the Russia-Ukraine War was having a devastating impact on Ghana and other African countries.

    “As we grappled with these economic challenges, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine burst upon us, aggravating an already difficult situation. It is not just the dismay that we feel at seeing such deliberate devastation of cities and towns in Europe in the year 2022, we are feeling this war directly in our lives in Africa.

    “Every bullet, every bomb, every shell that hits a target in Ukraine, hits our pockets and our economies in Africa. The economic turmoil is global with inflation as the number one enemy this year,” the president said.

    But speaking at the 2022 Baah-Wiredu Lecture in Accra, Bright Simons argued that the president’s assertion is not backed by data.

    He intimated that there is evidence that Ghana is performing worse than other Africa surrounding it which means that there is more to the country’s challenges than the Russian-Ukraine war.

    “When we start to do the comparative analysis, you cannot use some other factor that has had a uniform effect. I tried my best to give you factors that could have shown that Ghana has been affected more, and as you saw I struggled with the data.

    “I went to jobs, I went to growth, I went to how many people were killed and none of it bears out that we were affected worse. So, if you are the worse performing in terms of currency, you cannot complain and say it is because of some factor that has affected everybody uniformly. It is as simple as that,” he said.

  • Akufo-Addo’s UN message on ‘skewed’ global financial structure not compelling – Gatsi

     President Akufo- Addo‘s at the UN about a lopsided international financial framework that disadvantages developing and rising economies are not convincing, according to Prof. John Gatsi, dean of the University of Cape Coast Business School (UCCBS).

    His remarks follow President Akufo- Addo’s speech at the 77th UN General Assembly, in which he accused foreign financial market participants and framers of prejudice towards African nations.

    The President said that obstacles are purposefully put up to deny Africa the assistance given to other emerging nations during times of crises.

    But speaking on the Morning Starr with Francis Abban Thursday, the UCCBS Dean stated that the International Community is aware of the modus operandi of African leaders and how they do not take governance seriously on the continent.

    “In 2000 and 2001 the International market led by the IMF and World Bank granted debt forgiveness and many other packages in terms of managing their debt. As soon as African countries got out of the HIPC initiative they were doing worse than what led them to apply for the HIPC initiative.

    “The market is aware of the corruption and the power-drunk nature of most African countries and their leaders. The market is aware of how they don’t take any instruction even from the World Bank in their fiscal management. They (International market) know how they (Africa) conduct their elections.

    “They know how they spend State money to win elections and after that they go back to difficulties. The market is aware that when we borrow we do not show value for the borrowing. We borrow for things that are not necessary,” Prof John Gatsi argued.

    The UCCBS Dean also mentioned how most African countries mismanaged COVID-19 funds that were disbursed by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund including the West African nation.

    “The IMF is not satisfied with the way African countries including Ghana spend that money. So to the extent that in the Article 4 Registration report in 2021 they demanded Ghana to do COVID-19 expenditure audit,” Prof. Gatsi added.

  • Russia-Ukraine war: Ghana will not recognize any forcefully acquired territory – Ayorkor Botchway

    Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has stated that Ghana will not recognize any annexed territory of a sovereign state.

    Her comment comes on the back of plans by Russia to hold a controversial referendum to annex four Ukrainian regions – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

    Speaking at the United Nations (UN) Security Council meeting held on September 22, the minister reiterated Ghana’s strong position against the invasion of Ukraine.

    She bemoaned the various atrocities which has occasioned the war. Ayorkor Botchwey said for instance that some 14 million people have been displaced from their homes as well as women and children subjected to sexual and gender-based violence.

    She described the effects the war as ‘intolerable’ and called for urgent steps to be taken to halt the war.

    “Some 14 million people, mostly women and children, have been displaced from their homes and face heightened risk of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. Human trafficking, filtration processes and forced disappearances, torture and other violations of the right and freedom of the people are widespread,” Ayorkor Botchwey said.

    “The suffering in Ukraine is abhorrent and should not be dismissed as the mere consequence of war. To do so, we will be endorsing the atrocities and sanctioning impunity. In this regard, we underscore the importance of ensuring accountability for all war crimes committed in Ukraine. Accountability is fundamental to preventing impunity,” she further added.

    The Minister urged the Russian Federation to withdraw it troops from Ukraine in mutual respect for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, which was once a member of the Soviet Union.

    She stated that Ghana will not recognize territories which are forcefully acquired from countries which are sovereign.

    “We have expressed several times our principled position against the aggression on Ukraine which we consider to be a disregard for rules of international law and the principles of the charter.

    “Ukraine as a sovereign state and a member of this organization has every right, we believe, and indeed a responsibility to defend its territorial integrity and political independence. We recognize the tremendous courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

    “Ghana does not and will not recognize any territory that is unilaterally and forcefully acquired as dismembered from a sovereign entity.

    “We reiterate the call on the Russian Federation to immediately and unconditionally cease its operations, withdraw it troops, from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine and respect it neighbours sovereignty and political independence,” Ayorkor Botchwey remarked.

    Background

    Russia invaded Ukraine in February this year after the latter had shown signs of joining the European security bloc, Nato. The war has been condemned by a majority of world leaders.

    The government of Ghana has also been partly blaming the ongoing war for it economic challenges.

    Speaking on Wednesday, September 21, 2022; at the UN General Assembly Meeting, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the ‘bombs and bullets’ being launched at Ukraine was hitting the pocket of African countries.

    “As we grappled with these economic challenges, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine burst upon us, aggravating an already difficult situation.

    “It is not just the dismay that we feel at seeing such deliberate devastation of cities and towns in Europe in the year 2022, we are feeling this war directly in our lives in Africa.

    “Every bullet, every bomb, every shell that hits a target in Ukraine, hits our pockets and our economies in Africa. The economic turmoil is global with inflation as the number one enemy this year,” he added.

    Source; Ghanaweb

     

     

  • Ghana used our $430m COVID-19 money well – World Bank

    The World Bank has confirmed that the administration of President Akufo-Addo made effective use of the funding it received from the Bank to assist in containing the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease outbreak.

    The World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Pierre Frank Laporte, speaking to the press, revealed that the World Bank had held Ghana accountable by reviewing all relevant paperwork and receipts to determine how the funds were used.

    “We know each and every dollar that is spent and accounted for. We

    have done the necessary audits. There are always a few things here and there and some documentation that needs to be followed,” he said.

    Pierre Frank Laporte added that because of these precautions, his organization is very satisfied that its resources were used in accordance with the applicable procurement requirements.

    However, the government has not spent all the World Bank COVID-19 relief funds it received to combat the virus.

    “All the funds for COVID-19 were not spent. There were immediate things to be spent on, but there was also construction and procurement of equipment. We don’t feel that our resources have not been properly spent,” he explained.

    His remarks come at a time when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration is under fire for allegedly misusing COVID-19 funds.

    Former President John Mahama, delivering a speech at the 24th African Business Conference organized by the Harvard Business School in April this year, accused President Akufo-Addo of channelling some GH¢33 billion earmarked to offset the pandemic’s grave implications into his 2020 re-election bid.

    For this reason, Mr Mahama believes the said amount is yet to be accounted for.

    “Ghana’s fate was easy to predict with the cavalier handling of the economy by the current administration. We went into the pandemic without adequate buffers, and have emerged with a terribly battered economy,” he said.

    “To make matters worse, the pandemic windfall of over GH¢33billion, which could have cushioned the economy, remains unaudited and is believed to have been used largely in the quest to win the 2020 elections at all cost,” the former President explained.

    In 2020, the World Bank provided $100 million to Ghana to assist the country in tackling the pandemic.

    This financing package included $35 million in emergency support to help the country provide improved response systems.

    In addition to the emergency facility, a $65 million contingency emergency response component was triggered by the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID) to support critical activities such as laboratory equipment and chemicals, essential medical equipment and supplies, including test kits and personal protection equipment.

    In June 2022, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, in his address to Parliament on Wednesday, June 22, said an amount of GH¢11.16 billion was allocated for expenditures related to COVID-19, however, GH¢12.04 billion has been expended so far.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Ghana is developing an integrated bauxite and aluminum business – Akufo-Addo

    The development of an integrated bauxite and aluminum industry in Ghana has been announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    He stated this during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly on September 21, 2022, and added that Ghana was processing more of its cocoa in addition to refining more of its natural resources, particularly gold.

    Ghana is determined to develop its lithium riches, said President Akufo-Addo.

    “We are going to exploit the entire value chain of our enormous lithium deposits,” he added, adding that “we are processing more of our cocoa and refining more of our gold.

    “We are busily building an integrated bauxite and aluminium industry and an integrated iron and steel industry, building new oil refineries and have, so far, attracted six (6) of the world’s biggest automobile manufacturers to set up assembling plants in Ghana, prior to producing them in the country,” he stated.

    He stated that in line with government’s industrialization agenda, the creation of a single market is key to achieving this vision.

    President Akufo-Addo noted that Ghana has taken policy measures to add value to its natural resources.

  • We refuse to accept August 4, September 21 is Founder’s Day

    According to pro-Nkrumah Kwesi Pratt Junior, the socialist movement in Ghana continues to mark September 21 as Founder’s Day even if the nation celebrates August 4 as Founders’ Day.

    Pratt claims that the movement is unwilling to recognize August 4 as Founders’ Day, which honors all contributors, particularly the “Big Six” who spearheaded the fight for Ghana’s independence.

    On September 21, 2022, he said the following on the GhanaWeb-recorded episode of Good Morning Ghana:

    “We still think that 21st September is Founder’s Day. We refuse to accept that 4th August is the Founders’ day.”

    September 21 is a day is set aside to remember and honour Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

    In September 2009, President John Evans Atta Mills declared September 21 to be Founder’s Day, a statutory holiday in Ghana.

    However, it became an issue of national debate when the Akufo-Addo-led government challenged the position of Dr Kwame Nkrumah as the Founder of Ghana, adding that he is not the sole founder of Ghana.

    Later, President Akufo-Addo proposed legislation to designate August 4 as Founders Day, and the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, on September 21, originally observed as Founder’s Day, to be observed as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day.

    According to the President, the decision was to acknowledge the “successive generations of Ghanaians who made vital contributions to the liberation of our country from imperialism and colonialism.”

    He issued an Executive Instrument to commemorate the celebration of Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day as a public holiday.

  • We do not have the luxury of choosing which issues to address – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has urged international leaders to work together to address the many issues the world is facing.

    We don’t have the luxury of choosing which problems to solve, the President stated on Wednesday during his address to the 77th UN General Assembly.

    Since “none of them can wait,” according to the President, it will be wise to treat each issue with equal priority.

    President Akufo-Addo emphasized issues including insecurity, climate change, economic and energy difficulties, among others, and emphasized that each one needs urgent response.

    “History will judge us harshly if we do not seize the opportunity to make the changes that will enable us to deal with the many problems that we face,” he stated on Wednesday.

    The President also used the platform to bemoan the unfair treatment of African countries on the international financial market.

    According to him, avenues that are available to powerful nations are not the same for developing countries,consequently, impeding growth in these countries.

    “The tag of Africa as investment risk is a self-fulfilling prophecy created by the prejudice of the international money markets which denies us access to cheaper borrowing, pushing us deeper into debts.

    “The financial market has been set up and operates on rules designed for the benefit of rich and powerful nations and during times of crisis, the façade of international cooperation under which they purport to operate disappears,” he opined.

     

  • Recognizing Founders’ Day is fantastic – Nana Akomea salutes Akufo-Addo

    The Managing Director of the Intercity STC, Nana Akomea, has commended President Akufo-Addo for recognizing all founders of Ghana’s independence.

    There seem to be an on and off debate surrounding founder’s or founders’ day celebration in the country. Some claim Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is the sole founder of the country while others insist he’s not the only one.

     

    It may be recalled that every Founder’s Day was to recognize Dr. Nkrumah as the founder of Ghana. However, President Akufo-Addo changed that when he came into power in 2017, ensuring that other contributors to Ghana’s independence were included.

    Therefore, August 4th is a national public holiday to commemorate the contributions of all the people who led the struggle for Ghana’s independence, notably called the “Big Six”, while September 21st has been set aside to celebrate Nkrumah’s Birthday.

    Contributing to Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ programme, Nana Akomea said: “Indeed Nkrumah played a pivotal role but you can’t also neglect those who formed the political party and invited him (Nkrumah) to join. They’re also part and so for Akufo-Addo to recognize all of them is fantastic.”

    Source:Peacefmonline

     

  • Reforms needed because the International Financial system is tilted towards emerging nations – Akufo-Addo to world leaders

    President Akufo-Addo, has demanded that the global banking system be immediately reformated.

    He contends that while emerging nations suffer under the current system, an equitable alternative that would benefit all nations should be taken into consideration.

    During his Wednesday speech to the 77th UN General Assembly, the President issued this urgent demand.

    “The labeling of Africa as an investment risk is minimal in fact.

    It is a self-fulfilling prophecy made possible by the bias of the global financial markets, which prevents us from accessing more affordable financing, increasing our debt.

    He pointed out that “the financial market has been set up and functions under rules created for the benefit of rich and powerful nations.”

    Recalling incidents during the Covid-19 crisis, President Akufo-Addo said many powerful countries “disappeared” despite the partnerships the said countries had established in Africa.

    “These are the savage lessons that we’ve had to take in as the world emerged from the grip of the coronavirus, to energy and food price hikes and a world rise in a cost of living.

    “The necessity for reform of the system is compelling,” he stressed.

    Ghana’s creditworthiness has recently suffered a downgrade by top ratings agencies including S&P and Fitch. This has affected investor confidence amid an ailing economy currently at the International Monetary Fund’s doors for a bailout.

    Addressing the Assembly, the President said the downgrade of economies by rating agencies is further aggravating the hardships of African countries because of difficulties in servicing debts.

  • Akufo-Addo to address the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly

    President Akufo-Addo will address the United Nations today Wednesday, 21 September 2022 at 8:45 pm.

    He will participate in the General Debate of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77) in his capacity as President of the Republic of Ghana.

    The high-level General Debates of the UNGA77 opened Tuesday, September 20, 2022 with the theme, “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.” It would end on Monday, September 26.

    The UNGA77 will focus on the war in Ukraine, the soaring energy and food prices, climate action and ending COVID-19 pandemic.

    About 157 heads of state and representatives of governments plan to deliver speeches. During the General Debate, heads of delegation are expected to state the positions of their governments on topical issues.

    The General Debate will also provide member states with an opportunity to raise matters relating to priorities and concerns that are of a national, regional, and global nature.

    Source: GNA

  • Mahama currently receives a ‘bigger’ salary than Akufo-Addo – Abronye

    The Bono Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP), Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC), has alleged that former President John Dramani Mahama receives a higher salary than President Akufo-Addo.

    He explained that the salary differentials has been occasioned by President Akufo-Addo taking a 30% salary cut in July this year as a result of economic crunch.

    Addressing a press conference on September 19, Abronye DC reiterated that the government continues to fund the activities of Mahama despite he being out of office.

    “In 2021, we all saw in the Emolument Committees report and the salaries of ministers up to that of the president. As I speak today, John Dramani Mahama receives more salary than Akufo-Addo.

    “He receives GH₵35,000 without a Cedi deduction but for Nana Akufo-Addo’s GH₵35,000, 30% percent is deducted from it and other government appointees also take the cut since 2021. So you [Mahama] who is sitting at home not working, when you are traveling the state funds it, your salary is bigger than that of President Akufo-Addo and his Vice Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia ,” he charged.

    Abronye DC has in recent times taken on the former president over issues concerning his finances, particularly ex-gratia.

    Background

    Abronye DC has alleged that former President Mahama took ex-gratia of GH¢14 million in 2013 and GH¢15 million in 2017, a claim the former president has denied.

    He alleged that the former president took the GH¢14 million ex-gratia through his Agricultural Development Bank Account and that he (Mahama) also received retirement benefits including his salaries, accommodation allowances, travel allowances, and salaries of his staff that summed up to GH¢15 million.

    But Mahama has denied the GH¢14 million and has also said that he does not receive his full retirement benefits.

    “They haven’t given me an office, I rent an office in East Cantonments, I pay the rent myself, I pay for my own fuel, the state doesn’t give me fuel. I pay my own domestic staff; I pay my own medical bills. I pay for my own air tickets when I travel,” the ex-president said in a TV3 interview last week.

  • Education Minister addresses UN Education Summit

    Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has addressed participants at the United Nations Educational Summit in the United States of America.

    Speaking on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, the Education Minister recounted how Ghana is making prudent investments in education to make the country and the world a better place.

    He told the Summit that education is not just the birthright of every child but it is also a powerful co-creator for progress in poverty reduction, health and sustainable development.

    He emphasised the need for a new way of working that reimagines education in a win-win partnership with the entire 2030 Agenda.

    Speaking at the launch dubbed, “Rewiring Education for People and the Planet Report”, Dr Adutwum highlighted the number of strategies that have been employed to reposition the entire education to produce a critical mass of empowered Ghanaian equipped with essential skills for socio-economic transformation.

    These and many other interventions, he said, have changed the face of Education in Ghana.

    “No country can deliver quality education where children are not able to learn because they are hungry, required to work or take care of their families,” he pointed out.

    He further added that “No country can attain sustainable economic growth where entrenched poverty and Inequalities in learning and skills undermine human capital

    He, therefore, called on everyone to work collaboratively across sectors, levels and stakeholders to rewire education for people and the Planet.

    Dr Adutwum also advocated collaboration between all nations, international organisations and the private sector to tackle global educational challenges collectively.

  • King Charles III spoke with Akufo-Addo and Asantehene – Royal Reporter

    King Charles III spoke, via telephone, with a number of world leaders in connection to the funeral of his late mother and former monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

    Among others, he spoke to political leaders and some royal leaders with close ties with the British monarchy.

    According to a list shared by Cameron Walker, a Royal Reporter with GB News, King Charles spoke to the ‘King of Ashanti,’ as well as Presidents of Ghana, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt and Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

    President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo have been spotted in London along with other world leaders attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

    A formal invitation to the Asantehene was also formally invited via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, FCO. A later report indicates that the Asantehene also communicated his inability to attend the funeral.

    The world’s longest serving leader, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was pronounced dead on Thursday, September 8, 2022, via a statement from the royal family.

    Born on April 21, 1926, the Queen, christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, immediately acceded the British throne on February 6, 1952, when her father, King George VI died.

    She became queen at the age of 25 and remained on the throne for seven decades before her death.

    Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of State for 14 other jurisdictions.

    Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son Charles, 73, has been named succesor and by that becomes king of the United Kingdom and the head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. His wife Camilla becomes Queen Consort.

     

  • Akufo-Addo, Rebecca enter Westminster Abbey for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral

    President Akufo-Addo and his spouse, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, have made their way into the Westminster Abbey for the final funeral rites of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    Despite the president’s travel to London for the funeral not officially being communicated, President Akufo-Addo somewhere hinted at his intent to attend the state funeral of the Queen when he signed her book of condolence last week.

    “I intend to go to London for the funeral; I don’t know whether you have anything particular to tell me about that?” he asked High Commissioner Harriet Thompson.

    Ahead of the commencement of the service on Monday, September 19, 2022, several heads of state and dignitaries have been trooping into the London Chapel, where the Queen’s coffin will be brought for the service.

    President Akufo-Addo, who is dressed in a black suit and white shirt, was flanked by his wife, who was also adorned in a black dress with a scarf and a handbag to complement.

    Born on April 21, 1926, the late Queen, christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, acceded the British throne at the age of 25 and ruled for 70 years.

    She died at the age of 96 on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

     

     

  • Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II: Akufo-Addo spotted in London

    President Akufo-Addo, accompanied by First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, is believed to have left Accra on Sunday to join other world leaders for the event.

    Even though no official communication of his departure from Accra has been made, GhanaWeb sighted a Reuters video in which Akufo-Addo and the First Lady arrive for a state reception held in honour of the late monarch.

    It was widely expected that he will travel having been listed as one of the invited leaders of the Commonwealth.

    Last week, after signing the book of condolence at the British High Commission in Accra, Akufo-Addo announced that he had intentions of travelling to London for the funeral.

    “I intend to go to London for the funeral, I don’t know whether you have anything particular to tell me about that?” he asked High Commissioner Harriet Thompson.

    To which she responded: “The invitations have been sent, they will be with your High Commission in London. They were sent over the weekend and we’ll make sure the arrangement works smoothly between your team there and our team here.”

    After signing the condolence book, President Akufo-Addo also sent his well wishes to the new monarch, King Charles II.

    “Let me take the opportunity to also wish the King the best of luck with his tenure. He has been here with us a few occasions, he is a good friend and I am confident that he will do a very good job in her succession,” he stressed.

    Queen Elizabeth dies

    The world’s longest-serving leader, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was pronounced dead on Thursday, September 8, 2022, via a statement from the royal family.

    Born on April 21, 1926, the Queen, christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, immediately acceded the British throne on February 6, 1952, when her father, King George VI died.

    She became queen at the age of 25 and remained on the throne for seven decades before her death.

    Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of State for 14 other jurisdictions.

    Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son Charles, 73, has been named successor and by that becomes king of the United Kingdom and the head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. His wife Camilla becomes Queen Consort.

  • Economic crunch: Is a new wife Akufo-Addo’s top priority? – Sam George mocks

    A member of parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has ridiculed President Akufo-Addo over his jovial plan to wed a new wife, especially one from the Volta region.

    President Akufo-Addo disclosed this in an interview on a local radio station in the Volta region during an official visit.

    The president stated that witnessing the female presenter who granted him interview revived his motivation to keep working toward that goal.

    “You know my basic position that I’ve taken, and seeing you, of course, it’s heightened it: my determination to marry in the Volta Region, and that I’m like a suitor who keeps on knocking on the door, looking forward to the day the door will be open. We’ll keep on till the day the door is open,” he said.

    However, Sam George a social media post has questioned whether the president’s intentions to find a new wife a major priority in the midst of the economic crisis.

    “Hehehehehe! Addo Showboy nunu. I can testify about the Ayigbe Toffee but in this hard times, is a new wife Bossu’s top priority? Ah well,” he tweeted on September 17.

    The economy has suffered a downturn in recent months with inflation rate hovering around 33.9% per data from the Ghana Statistical Service.

    The Cedi has also significantly depreciated with the economy also hard hit by recent downgrades by international rating agencies such as Fitch and S & P.

    Government has partly blamed Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war as cause for the increased cost of living while promising to implement measures to curtail it.

    It is consequently seeking a $3 billion IMF credit facility over a three year as it finds its way out of the economic quagmire.

    Hehehehehe!

    Addo Showboy nunu. I can testify about the Ayigbe Toffee but in this hard times, is a new wife Bossu’s top priority? Ah well! ????????‍♂️https://t.co/6LF4NDfI9n

    — Sam ‘Dzata’ George (@samgeorgegh) September 17, 2022

  • Shops at the renovated Kumasi Central Market are now not for sale – Mayor

    Sam Pyne, the mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), has informed Ghanaians living abroad that the stores in the Kumasi Central Market’s ongoing reconstruction project are not now up for sale, according to Purefmonline.com.

    The Central Market’s construction is 45% complete, according to the mayor who is working with the USA to entice investors back to the “Garden City” while speaking to a group of Ghanaians in Dallas.

    The market would be turned over to the Assembly for further redistribution to its rightful owners after completion, the KMA Chief Executive said while explaining the current status of the market’s reconstruction to the assembled people.
    After the conclusion of, the surplus shops will only be offered for sale to interested parties and the general public.

    “No one should be deceived that the shops at the Kumasi Central Market which is at 45% completion stage are for sale.

    KMA has no price tag on any of the shops.

    Upon completion, the Assembly will take possession of it and duly deliver them back to the rightful owners. No figure will be allowed to take advantage of the outcome neither will rightful owners be cheated in the process. As your Mayor, I won’t sit back for that to happen.

    We will only begin to sell the excess shops when we are satisfied that every rightful owner who has been relocated for the purposes of this redevelopment exercise has duly been given back his or her shop.” The KMA Boss assured when a Ghanaian resident in Dallas posed a question to him, expressing concern on how traders who have been temporarily relocated will have access to their shops.

    He also charged the Ghanaian residents in the USA and other stakeholders at the gathering to cease the opportunity to return and invest home as the Government through its industrialization drive has made it possible for businesses to thrive by providing various incentives and reliefs packages.

    The KMA Boss talked about the numerous business opportunities associated to the Kumasi International Airport which is near completion and the Boankra Inland Port development.

    “More recreational facilities should be built to accommodate the numerous visitors that will throng into the city on the back of Government’s ongoing transformational agenda in the city.

    “The President Akufo-Addo Government despite the challenges Covid-19 virus and the Russia-Ukraine war brought has still been able to make the economy business friendly.

    “I urge you all to come on board because the Government has made it easier for investors to thrive and get returns on their investments. We need your contribution now more than ever as the Government continues to play its role efficiently.” He stated.

    In ending his engagement, Hon. Sam Pyne hinted to the Ghanaian diaspora that plans have been advanced to redevelop other satellite markets in the Metropolis beginning with the Krofrom Market soon.

    The KMA Chief Executive is in the United States on an official tour, among other things to look for support for the investigation of innovative methods and technologies to enhance the sanitation condition in the Kumasi Metropolis and draw in business investors.

    He recently had a meeting with the Mayor of Dallas, Eric Johnson, who assured him that Kumasi and Dallas would work together as sister cities to promote growth and the arts.

    Four different private companies in the USA have already expressed interest in transforming the Amakom Children Park into a suitable amusement area as a result of the KMA Mayor’s engagement in the USA.

  • Nuclear Power Ghana supports Ho Technical University for nuclear training

    The Ho Technical University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nuclear Power Ghana and Institute to train more students in nuclear power to improve the sector’s human resource base.

    The MoU was signed in Ho with heads of all departments and faculties present, making the University the first to partner with Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) for nuclear development.

    Prof. B. J.B. Nyarko, the Board Chairman of the NPG, said President Akufo-Addo’s recent declaration of the nation’s readiness for nuclear power gave impetus to the programme.

    In August 2022, the President approved nuclear power to be added to the country’s electricity generation mix.

    “It means we have the full backing of the Government to proceed with the nuclear power programme,” Prof. Nyarko said.

    The NPG was established by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission in 2018 as the first nuclear plant operator in the country.

    However, the scope of nuclear power made its engineers and scientists the most difficult to train and commended the Ho Technical University (HTU) for emerging the most eager and receptive to the programme.

    He said the HTU joined the School of Nuclear and Applied Sciences of the Nuclear Ghana Institute, established in 2006, in becoming the pioneers of a consortium of universities formed to generate the needed resources for the programme.

    Prof. Nyarko said the MoU would help provide the needed competency of staff for the programme, which was among its major needs.

    The project would broaden the scope of nuclear education and include education on safety and security.

    Dr Stephen Yamoah, the Executive Director of the NPG, said the organisation would provide the needed support to ensure that the HTU became the hub of competent human resources to develop the nation’s nuclear capabilities.

    Currently, the operators were on phase two of the Nuclear Power Programme and envisaged that by 2030 Ghana’s first Nuclear Power Plant would be operational, he said.

    According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, some specialists in the nuclear field require 5-10 years of training and experience, which meant that building and maintaining human capacity was a critical component of Ghana’s Nuclear Power Project.

    “Here at Ho Technical University, you are known as one of the best technical institutions in Ghana for providing education and training in technical and vocational fields,” Dr Yamoah said.

    “Our engagement with Management was positive and we encourage Management to envision a bigger picture and identify its role in assisting the Government to develop the nation through nuclear science and technology.”

    “We want to assure the HTU that all necessary technical and human support would be provided.”

    Prof Seth Debrah, the Director, Nuclear Power Institute, said a foundational course for all in the university environment had become necessary as “anybody close by the facility should be made aware of what is going on.”

    The human element was especially important, who needed a certain level of competence and capacity to propel the nation into achieving its objective.

    He pledged the readiness of the Institute to train the students into competent professionals and “turn the place into the fulcrum where technical ability is built.”

    Prof. Ben Honyenuga, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said it would position the university to take advantage of the programme, and expressed commitment to the cause.

    The University, he said, was ready to roll out technician, bachelor, and doctorate level competency-based programmes in nuclear sciences, which aligned with the University’s technical education mandate, adding; “We are ready and willing to begin now.”

    The Vice-Chancellor lauded all stakeholders, including the legal teams, for making the MoU more suitable, and charged the Director for Technical and Vocational Education and Training to lead the implementation of the nuclear foundational course.

    Source: GNA

  • Why Ghana must mourn Queen Elizabeth II

    President Akufo-Addo ordered that all flags in Ghana be flown at half-mast in honour of the Late Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday, September 9, 2022.

    This president’s directive has caused some division among Ghanaians who are arguing about the significance of the order since Ghana is now a sovereign state.

    But what most Ghanaians don’t know is that aside from being the Head of Commonwealth Nations, the late Queen Elizabeth II was the first Head of State of Ghana.

    Queen Elizabeth II, Head of State of Ghana

    For the first three years of Ghana becoming an independent nation, between March 6, 1957, and July 1, 1960, Elizabeth II was the Head of State of Ghana.

    This was because around that time, though Ghana was an independent sovereign state, it was still a constitutional monarchy which gave the Queen the power to be head of the United Kingdom and other sovereign states under the monarchy.

    The constitutional roles of Queen Elizabeth in Ghana were delegated to the governor-general, who acted as a representative of the Queen. Between March 6, 1957, and July 1, 1960, two governors-general, Charles Noble Arden-Clarke (1957) and William Francis Hare (1957 to 1960), represented the Queen in Ghana.

    During that period, the Parliament of Ghana was made up of the Queen and the National Assembly of Ghana, and all laws of the country were assented to only by her.

    Queen Elizabeth was the executive authority of the state, and she was advised by Ghanaian ministers for the Crown. Ghana’s economy during that period was one of the best in the world.

    Queen Elizabeth’s role as the Head of State of Ghana ended on July 1, 1996, when Ghana became a republic. Under the first contribution of the Republic of Ghana, the president replaced the monarch as the executive head of state.

    The BBC has reported that the King and Queen Consort will spend the night at Balmoral Castle and return to Britain on Friday.

    The King will decide if he will rule as King Charles III or choose a different name.

    Britain’s longest-serving monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96 on Thursday.

    The Queen died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

    Her death comes after the BBC earlier announced that the Queen’s doctors had expressed concerns about her health around mid-morning on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

    Born on April 21, 1926, the Queen, christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, immediately acceded the British throne on February 6, 1952, when her father, King George VI, died.

    She thus ruled for 70 years before her death.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Akufo-Addo directs all official flags to fly at half-mast for 1 week following Queen Elizabeths demise

    In honour of the memory of the deceased monarch of England, Queen Elizabeth II, President Akufo-Addo has directed that all official flags in the country fly at half-mast effective today, Friday, September 9, 2022. This is to last for a period of 7 days.

    The Queen died yesterday, September 8, 2022, after her health deteriorated, Buckingham Palace announced. 

    In a tweet extending his deepest condolences to the Royal Family and on behalf of the general public, the President said the queen will be dearly missed.

    “Ghanaians have very fond memories of the two visits she made to Ghana during her reign, and, on both occasions, we remember the friendliness, elegance, style and sheer joy she brought to the performance of her duties,” he said.

    “As Head of the Commonwealth of Nations, she oversaw the dramatic transformation of the Union, and steered it to pay greater attention to our shared values and better governance. She was the rock that kept the organisation sturdy and true to its positive beliefs

    “We shall miss her inspiring presence, her calm, her steadiness, and, above all, her great love and belief in the higher purpose of the Commonwealth of Nations, and in its capacity to be a force for good in our world,” he added.

    President Akufo-Addo said the Queen “was a cherished and revered monarch of the British people, the longest-serving in their history, who will be sorely missed. We are saddened by her departure.

    “May God bless her soul and give her peaceful rest in His Bosom until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again,” he added 

    Following her demise, her son Prince Charles is the new monarch of English.

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • President Akufo-Addo holds bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister

    On Wednesday, September 7, 2022, President Akufo-Addo held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte AC, in The Hague.

    The goal of the meeting was to strengthen Ghana and The Netherlands‘ existing bonds of cooperation.

    “We also explored areas of mutual benefit for our peoples and nations,” President Akufo-Addo wrote on Facebook.

  • National Cathedral: ‘It is long overdue for Christians to have a national monument’ – Palmer-Buckle

    The Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, Most Reverend Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has commended President Akufo-Addo for his vision to build a Cathedral for the nation.

    In a GBC interview monitored by GhanaWeb, the Archbishop of the Cape Coast Archdiocese of the Catholic Church in Ghana said that it is long overdue for Christians in the country to have a place to worship God together.

    He also commended the president for adding him to the board of trustees of the Cathedral.

    “I thank the president of the republic for adding me to the trustees. It was quite a surprise but not a surprise. I also want to thank him (the president) and my colleague trustee members for what we have made of the president’s simple vision that he told us.

    “Because he (the president) came up with the vision of a place where Christians come together to thank the Lord together with the nation for the many blessings. And he entrusted it to us, and that is why we’re trustees. 13 of us were called to duty, and we have had a lot of time thinking about what the National Cathedral should mean physically, biblically, spiritually, even financially and economically.

    “What attracted me (to the Cathedral project) I will say, I was called to duty. As a Catholic Archbishop, I believe that it is long overdue for Christians in this country to have a national monument that we are united in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the project, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, on Tuesday, August 30, confirmed that the National Cathedral Project had been suspended due to a lack of funds.

    The National Cathedral project has been riddled with controversies, including financing.

    President Akufo-Addo, who has tagged the project as his personal pledge to God and his government, has been accused of channelling state funds into the project despite indicating that the private sector will fund the project.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Akufo-Addo’s lawyer, Akoto Ampaw joins protest against Auditor-General

    On Monday, September 5, Attorney Akoto Ampaw, the lead attorney representing President Akufo-Addo in the petition for the 2020 presidential election, participated in a public demonstration against the Office of the Auditor General.

    The Citizens Coalition, which includes attorney Akoto Ampaw, protested the Auditor General’s failure to deny and surcharge for the various financial violations found in its reports since 2019.

    “The protest is in respect of a matter which is of very major national importance. That is to ensure that those who misuse public funds are made accountable and the Auditor General as we know under the constitution has the duty to disallow any such expenditure and surcharge the persons responsible for such unlawful expenditure.

    “In its reports, the Auditor General has repeatedly identified persons in the public service that have misused public funds and indicated that they ought to be surcharged. And yet, to date, the Auditor General has not rallied the spine to take that decisive action that the constitution imposes on him.

    “So in this era, where we have a crisis of revenue, people who misuse public funds ought to be dealt with without any hesitation, and we are here to make sure that the Auditor General complies with his constitutional obligation and to ensure that public funds are safe.

    “This would be part of the message to all public officials who have control of public funds that if they misuse public funds, they will be made to account for it,” he told GhanaWeb’s George Ayisi during the protest.

    Prior to 2017, OccupyGhana, a Civil Society Organization (CSO), conducted a national campaign against corruption and poor governance, organizing a number of protests across the country.

    OccupyGhana in 2017 secured a Supreme Court ruling which charged the Auditor General to issue surcharges and disallowance for the various infractions on the government’s accounts.

    However, since the inception of the current administration, OccupyGhana has been accused of taking a backseat in putting pressure on the government and state institutions. The group has been accused of being in bed with the current government.

    But according to lawyer Ampaw, the Citizens Coalition, by its structure, is insulated from political associations. He, however, underscored that Occupy Ghana continues to play a significant role in the advocacy terrain, including pushing for the Auditor General to exercise his powers.

    “You know that for us, Citizens Coalition, one of our important membership conditions is that you will not be a member or an active participant in any party-political organisation. So that helps to insulate us from the kind of problems that may have occurred in the past.

    “But it isn’t really true that OccupyGhana is not doing anything. OccupyGhana has been pushing this matter with the Auditor General. So it may not be on the streets, but it is still defending rights and ensuring that so-called duty bearers comply with their obligations to the public,” he said.

    Other prominent members of the Coalition who joined Monday’s protest include lawyer Samson Ayenini, lawyer Martin Kpebu, Kofi Asare of Africa Education Watch, Nana Ama Agyemang Asante, Edem Senanu and Akwasi Pumpuni and Kofi Bentil.

  • Plea bargain will ensure restorative justices Deputy minister of justice

    The Deputy Minister of Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, has defended the government’s decision to introduce plea bargains into the justice delivery system.

    She stated that the action is crucial for ensuring the swiftness and effectiveness of the nation’s judicial system.

    In a JoyNews interview, the lawyer explained that the main benefit of plea bargaining is that people can seek restorative justice for themselves or their loved ones, regardless of the events that have already occurred.

    “Plea bargain is to achieve three things; it is to avoid protracted trials delay in trials – and thereby ease off the congestion that we have in the court. One of the main goals of plea bargaining, as well, is to decongest the prison. Because if persons can plea negotiate and arrange whereby they are given a lesser punishment then it will reduce the prison sentencing that we have.

    “But more importantly the main aim of a plea bargain to ensure restorative justice. Plea bargaining ensures that a very critical stakeholder of the justice delivery system which is the victim or complainant will also get justice. And for me, that is the key issue. So, it is a reformative step within the criminal-justice delivery system where victims are included in the whole process of the system,” she said.

    She added that “we know that in Ghana when you are cited for an offense it is seen as one committed against the state. In the past, the interest of the victim was disregarded. But now, with the plea bargain, the victim, complainant or their representative can make an input into the agreement negotiated between the prosecutor and the defendant.”

    On Friday, July 22, 2022, President  Akufo-Addo signed Act 1079, the Criminal and other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act of 2022, which establishes the use of plea bargaining in the administration of the criminal court system.

    After the passage of the bill, some stakeholders berated the government saying that it will encourage crime, particularly by government officials.

    Under the law all offenders except those who commit some offences exempted by the bill are eligible to plea bargain can reach an agreement with the government for a reduced sentence.

    The crimes that are exempted from plea negotiations include offences in the nature of high treason, high crime, rape, defilement, genocide, robbery, kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, abduction, piracy, hijacking and an offence related to public elections.

  • 25 Senior prison officers promoted

    In the Ghana Prisons Service, 25 senior officers have received promotions to various ranks.

    This follows the approval from President Akufo-Addo after the Prisons Service Council had recommended the promotion.

    According to Article 207(3) of the Constitution from 1992, the President’s approval is required.

    Twenty-one Assistant Directors of Prisons (ADP) have been promoted to the rank of Deputy Director of Prisons, while four Deputy Directors of Prisons (DDP) who previously held positions in a variety of capacities within the Prisons Service have now been elevated to that rank (DDP).

    Of the number, four Deputy Directors of Prisons (DDP) who previously held positions in various capacities within the Prisons Service have now been elevated to the rank of Director of Prisons (DOP), while 21 Assistant Directors of Prisons (ADP) have been promoted to the rank of Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP).

    Directors of Prisons

    A statement signed by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the GPC, Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP) Courage Atsem, named the four who have been promoted Directors of Prisons as the former Eastern Regional Commander, Samuel Kwame Owusu-Amposah, the former Bono Regional Commander, Benedict Bob Dery, the former Chief Legal Officer, Gloria Essandoh, and the former Greater Accra Regional Commander of Prisons and Commandant of the Prisons Officers Training School, Joana Fofo Tackie-Otoo.

    Deputy Directors of Prisons

    The 21 Assistant Directors of Prisons promoted to the rank of Deputy Director of Prisons include Brandford Gilbert Hama, Daniel Boi-Tawiah Abbey, William Kular, Emmanuel Aidoo, David Ofosu-Addo, Millicent Owusu, Francis Selorm Hagbe, and Paul Teye Ademan.

    The rest are Edmund Ahia Armah, Nathaniel N. Agyeman Onyinah, Sophia Osei-Bonsu, Thompson Otyokpo, Eric Ainoo Ansah, Edward Ashun, Joseph Asabre, Issaku Yahaya, Alfred M. Cudjoe, Augustine Ohene-Tutu, Samuel Fiifi Dontoh, Christiana Asiedu and Christopher Hayibor.

    Recall

    In February last year, a similar promotion exercise was undertaken with six DDPs promoted to DOPs while five ADPs also got elevated to the rank of DDPs.

     

  • Plea agreement seeks to reinstate restorative justice – Asonaba Dapaah

    Diana Asonaba Dapaah, the deputy minister of justice, has emphasized the significance of the recently passed plea agreement law to the general public.

    She claims that the bill aims to bring back restorative justice, where plaintiffs and victims will have a say in how the criminal justice system is carried out.

    “Plea bargain assures that the victim or complainant, who is a highly important stakeholder in the justice delivery system, will also receive justice.
    Therefore, the inclusion of victims in the system’s entire process is a reformative step in the delivery of criminal justice.

    “We know that in Ghana when you are cited for an offense it is seen as one committed against the state. In the past, the interest of the victim was disregarded. But now, with the plea bargain, the victim, complainant or their representative can make an input into the agreement negotiated between the prosecutor and the defendant,” she explained on JoyNews The Law.

    President Akufo-Addo on Friday, July 22, assented to the Criminal and other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1079) to provide for plea bargaining in the administration of criminal justice.

    The law, among other things, ensures the speedy trial of cases and help decongest prisons.

    Under this new law, the state will be able to save resources by reducing protracted trials. Accused persons can enjoy benefits such as a reduction of the offence charged to a lesser one or the withdrawal of some of the charges against them.

    In a statement issued by the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, on July 26, 2022 said Act 1079 creates exemptions to plea negotiations for offences in the nature of high treason, high crime, rape, defilement, genocide, robbery, kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, abduction, piracy, abduction, hijacking and election-related offences.

    “I respectfully inform the general public that in order to ensure a sound and efficient application of the law, a series of training programmes will be organised for judges, prosecutors in the Office of Attorney General, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Prisons Service and other stakeholders in the legal profession before the law is fully implemented,” the AG said.

     

  • Quality education has not dipped under Free SHS – President Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has disputed claims that the quality of secondary education has sharply declined under the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy.

    Debunking the claims with figures, he said performance in the four core subjects English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies had improved significantly with the introduction of the policy.

    He noted that 33 per cent of WASSCE candidates passed Mathematics in 2016 but the figure went up to 54.1 per cent in 2021, adding that Mathematics formed the basis of technology and many other old and emerging fields.

    The pass rate in English Language went up to 54.8 per cent in 2021 from 53 per cent in 2016.

    “Integrated Science improved from 48.5 per cent in 2016 to 65.7 per cent in 2021 and Social Studies made the same improvement from 54 per cent to 66 per cent,” he said.

    Not only had more young people gotten access to education but there was a much higher rate in proficiency, the President said.

    “So, how can anybody turn round and say this thing has not been good. It has been a major contribution to the future of our country,” he said.

    Interacting with the people at Kasoa during his two-day tour of the Central Region on Friday, President Akufo-Addo said apart from expanding and developing infrastructure, there were also key reforms such as teacher motivation and access to quality textbooks.

    “These have been major contributions and in a few years time we will see that the policy has been an intervention that has really lifted the prospects of the development of our country,” he added.

    The President observed that skeptics of the Free SHS had changed their stance from “a bad policy to the fact that it could be implemented in a better way.”

    He said he was all for suggestions that would help improve the implementation of the policy because the benefit was for the next generation.

    “And if there is anyone with an idea on how the system can be made better, I will not stand in their way.”

    Responding to suggestions that the policy should be targeted at the poor, he insisted that he would not condone segregation in the delivery of education.

    “If you can afford to pay schools fees, you can take your wards to the private school for the fee paying exercise,” he said.

    The President said he was inspired by the story of the United States, which was a developing country in the beginning of the 20th Century but had reached the state of a developed country through a deliberate education agenda.

    On access, the President said the Free SHS had resulted in the biggest number of young people ever having access to senior high school education in the entire history of Ghana with 1,765,977 students since 2017.

    He noted that most of the beneficiaries would have been denied education owing to financial constraints.

    President Akufo-Addo insisted that the system was necessary to unearth the talents and fine brains needed for the development of the country.

    Source: GNA

  • President approves promotion for 25 top prison officers

    President Akufo-Addo, has approved the promotion of 25 senior prisons officers in the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS).

    The decision is in accordance with Article 207(3) of the 1992 Constitution.

    Out of the 25, four Deputy Directors of Prisons (DDP) have been promoted to Directors of Prisons (DOP), while 21 Assistant Directors of Prisons (ADP) have been moved to the positions of Deputy Directors of Prisons (DDP).

    The four new DOPs are Samuel Kwame Owusu-Amposah, formerly the Eastern Regional Commander; Benedict Bob-Dery, formerly the Bono Regional Commander; Gloria Essandoh, until this promotion, the Chief Legal Officer, and Joana Fofo Tackie-Otoo, who until now was the Greater Accra Regional Commander of Prisons and Commandant of the Prisons Officers Training School.

    DOP Samuel Owusu-Amposah
    DOP Bennedict Bob -Dery
    DOP Gloria Essandoh

    DOP Joana Fofo Tackie-Otoo.

    The remaining 21 ADPs who have been moved to Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) are Brandford Gilbert Hama, Daniel Boi-Tawiah Abbey, William Kular, Emmanuel Aidoo, David Ofosu-Addo, Millicent Owusu and Francis Selorm Hagbe.

    The others are Nathaniel N. Agyeman Onyinah, Sophia Osei-Bonsu, Thompson Otyokpo, Eric Ainoo Ansah, Edward Ashun, Paul Teye Ademan and Edmund Ahia Armah.

    The rest are Joseph Asabre,  Issaku Yahaya, Alfred M. Cudjoe, Augustine Ohene-Tutu,  Samuel Fiifi Dontoh, Christiana Asiedu (Mrs), and  Christopher Hayibor.

    Meanwhile, the Director-General of Prisons, Mr Isaac Egyir, has congratulated all the newly promoted officers on their new positions and reminded them that promotions came with higher responsibilities.

    “All must therefore ensure that these promotions will be brought to bear on your performances,” a press statement issued in Accra and signed by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the GPS, Chief Superintendent of Prisons Courage Atsem, concluded.

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • Bawumia’s installation by Akufo-Addo won’t succeed – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

    Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a former deputy minister of communications in the former John Mahama NDC administration, has criticized President Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bawumia, and other top government officials for what he calls the selection of “puppets to cover up the disaster” of government.

    In his time on the panel during Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana program, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu referred to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President, as a “puppet” that President Akufo-Addo intends to install to hide his mess.

    The innuendos from the adviser to the former president Mahama did not spare the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    “His cousin, the Finance Minister has run this economy aground. Alhaji Bawumia, the puppet that he [President Akufo-Addo] wants to install has run the economy aground,” he said.

    Noticing that the host, Randy Abbey looked unconcerned about Felix’s strong choice of words, his co-panellist, Dr. Okoe Boye interjected and called his attention to the description of Dr. Bawumia as a “puppet” but adamant Felix will have none of that, saying that there were occasions in the past when “the NPP sponsored adverts to describe President Mills as a “puppet”, and that his use of the word was in the context of President Akufo-Addo wanting people he can easily control.

    “He [President Akufo-Addo] can also install all puppets in all state institutions, the people who make the difference are the 17 million people who will be voting, not the puppets he has installed,” Felix Kwakye Ofosu added.

     

  • President Akufo-Addo presents presidential charters to three universities

    The Catholic University College, the Presbyterian University College, and the Methodist University College on Tuesday, August 30 received presidential charters to formally award degrees.

    After spending over 10 years in a mentorship under some public universities, the three universities in February 2022, received approval from President Akufo-Addo to grant them presidential charters.

    Addressing officials of the three university colleges at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo said that the now fully-fledged universities would be monitored to ensure that they maintained high standards.

    President Akufo-Addo congratulated the three universities for their achievements but warned them of section 27 of Act 1023 which states that “The President may on the recommendation of the Commission, through the Minister, revoke, vary or in any other way, amend the provisions of the Charter where the President considers that the revocation, variation or amendment is in the best interest of tertiary education in the country.”

    President Akufo-Addo asked the universities to continue to improve and introduce more innovative programmes and courses that would equip their students with the requisite skills and competencies needed to develop the country.

    President Akufo-Addo said the Methodist University College, Presbyterian University and College Catholic University College, have been working toward receiving the charter, adding that they were the first to receive their charters upon the coming into effect of the new reforms, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1023).

    Prof Obeng Ofori, Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University, who spoke on behalf of all three universities, expressed appreciation to the President for granting them their respective charters.

    He added that the development marked a very important day in the “annals of the history” of the three faith-based academic institutions.

    Prof Obeng Ofori requested buses from the President to help solve urgent transportation challenges the three universities face.

    President Akufo-Addo directed the Minister for Education, Yaw Adu-Twum, to ensure that the request was honoured.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Akufo-Addo approves promotion of 25 Directors of Prisons

    25 senior officers will be promoted to the Prisons Directorate with the President Akufo-Addo‘s assent.

    This is in accordance with the Prisons Service Council‘s recommendations.

    According to Article 207(3) of the Constitution from 1992, the president’s action is in accordance with this provision: “subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the power to appoint persons to hold or to act in an office in the Prisons Service shall vest in the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prisons Service Council,”

    Among the list of 25 persons promoted, four have been moved from Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) to Director of Prisons (DOP).

    They are DDP Samuel Kwame Owusu-Amposah, who was formerly the Eastern Regional Commander, DDP Benedict Bob Dery, formerly the Bono Regional Commander, DDP Gloria Essandoh, who until the promotion was the Chief Legal Officer and DDP Joana Fofo Tackie-Otoo (Mrs.) who until the promotion was the Greater Regional Commander of Prisons and Commandant of the Prisons Officers Training School.

    The remaining 21 of the promoted personnel have been moved from Assistant Director Of Prisons (ADP) to Deputy Director Of Prisons (DDP).

    They are ADP. Brandford Gilbert Hama, ADP. Daniel Boi-Tawiah Abbey, ADP. William Kular, ADP. Emmanuel Aidoo and ADP. David Ofosu-Addo.

    Others include ADP. Millicent Owusu, ADP. Francis Selorm Hagbe, ADP. Paul Teye Ademan, ADP. Edmund Ahia Armah, ADP. Nathaniel N. Agyeman Onyinah, ADP. Sophia Osei-Bonsu and ADP. Thompson Otyokpo.

    The rest are ADP. Eric Ainoo Ansah, ADP. Edward Ashun, ADP. Joseph Asabre, ADP. Issaku Yahaya, ADP. Alfred M. Cudjoe, ADP. Augustine Ohene-Tutu, ADP. Samuel Fiifi Dontoh, ADP. Christiana Asiedu (Mrs.) and ADP. Christopher Hayibor.

    Find below some images of the newly promoted officers


    DOP Samuel Owusu-Amposah


    DOP Gloria Essandoh


    DOP Joana Fofo Tackie- Otoo